Quantum: The War

"To survive in this world, we hold close to us those on whom we depend. We trust in them our hopes, our fears... But what happens when trust is lost? Where do we run, when things we believe in vanish before our eyes? When all seems lost, the future unknowable, our very existence in peril... All we can do is run. But when we embrace what lies within, our potential knows no limit. The future is filled with promise. The present, rife with expectation. But when we deny our instinct, and struggle against our deepest urges... Uncertainty begins. Where does this path lead? When will the changes end? Is this transformation a gift... or a curse? And for those that fear what lies ahead... The most important question of all... Can we ever change what we really are?

Many people try to figure it all out but soon find themselves on a path that can only lead to dark places. They hurt the ones they love, abandon their allies and murder their enemies. There are those that travel down the path of light and are led to good places but are faced with things that only those with dark skills can accomplish. So what does one do? How do we decide who is good and who is evil? Which side do we choose? While dealing with these problems we lose sight of who we really are and who the true enemy is."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The world is changing. Some say that evolution is taking a giant leap forward for some, granting them incredible abilities. But like with every change there is jealousy. Governments are taking action and rounding up certain individuals who they believe possess special abilities. There are whispers of war, war between Humans and Mutants. The President of the United States of America approached the U.N. with a proposition, a global strike against the ever growing Mutant problem. Around the world strike teams are breaking down doors, grabbing people and locking them up. Some believe that this method is pointless and takes too much time, now there is talk of viral weaponry.

But there are those that are fighting back. Across the globe dozens of clans are uniting under one common interest, survival. These clans are made up of Mutants, now known by the name "Fallen". But our story is not set in the middle of the war, no far from it. Our story begins in Rome, a haven for Fallen and Humans alike, those who are hiding from the war or are simply waiting for the right time to strike stay here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A bus carrying a group of American tourists stopped outside the Hassler Roma hotel. The tourists were very young, they had all just graduated from High School and were celebrating by traveling to Rome. Not a bad idea. There were six of them, two girls and four guys. The group had been friends for a long time, some were even friendlier. Siobhan and Scotty were the groups "star couple", they had been together for three years now. Tessa and Daniel were the other couple and had just started dating, so this was going to be a very good holiday for the newbies. The other two guys were Tim and Michael. They were both afraid of commitment according to their former girlfriends.

The group settled into the five star hotel and regrouped an hour later in the lobby where they then decided to have a look around, so they all walked out onto the street and roamed around for a while. This particular group of friends were very special, five of them were lucky enough to be graced with special abilities. Unfortunately Scotty was left out. Siobhan was able to heal from any wound, Tessa was Electrokinetic, Daniel was Cryokinetic and could freeze anything he touched, Tim was able to become Invisible and Michael could Shapeshift.

Say cheese!

Scotty and Siobhan stood in the middle of a square and got close as Scott held the camera up and took a picture of them. The two kissed while the others looked around at some shops.

I have a feeling this is going to be a very eventful holiday. (Siobhan)

So do I.

I sit down at a table outside an outdoor café not far from the Hassler Roma hotel where I have seen six young tourists get off a bus about one hour ago and they are now roaming around the square. As I sip on my coffee I sense all but one of them has some powers, I smirk, to bad the b*stards at the Institute have blocked my ability to absorb more powers. Not that the seven I have are weak, I just love the rush of new powers.

As I casually watch them roam about I wonder if they are running too? I have been on the run for 5 years, but for now my running has stopped. Not long after arriving in Rome I met my boss, he took care of a lot of my problems, I owe him my life. I then get a message on my cell phone, it’s my boss. I better report in. I then signal the waitress over and I pay my bill. As I walk through the square I make a mental note of their faces. Somehow, I have a feeling those six will be an issue. I continue to walk through the square and disappear into the crowd.

Sam stood leaning against a wall as a group of teenagers passed by him one asked him if he could take a picture of them

tourist

He whispered as they walked away. Sam looked up in the sky.

it only a matter of time before the find me

He told him self. Where there any other fallen here. He wondered.

I jumped out of the plane as it crashed into the Italian countryside. I walked up to the side of the rode and stuck my thumb out. It was 25 miles to Rome, and there was no way in Hell I was walking. A young man pulled over at the side of the road.

Where are you going? (Man)

Rome.

Hop in I'll be passing near there. (man)

Thank you. I smiled as I walked around the car to the passengers side. I opened the door and entered the car.

So why ya heading to Rome? (man)

Just meeting up with an old friend I haven't seen in a while.

Oh that sounds fun. I have lots of friends from Rome. They just love doing...(man)

The man stopped talking. His head now lying on the car floor. A sharp metal blade forms back into a metallic hand.

You should have been quiet.

Minutes later the man's body was buried and most likely wouldn't be found again. After cleaning up I got into the passengers seat and headed to Rome.

Order rules the world and those who have no liberty. The false belief of religion rules the mind of the weak and foolish. Fear controls the souls of the desperate and paranoid. The world is falling apart and they do not even see it. Evolution is taking place and yet they try to falter its progress. It shall not be stopped. Not in this quarter.

The man, cloaked in a black robe with a hood, known as "Blackwood" speaks to himself in the void, the cross-dimension of his own doing. The void is a dark and lonesome place, any man without a strong will would go mad. Not Blackwood. He open a display over the world as watches as humanity destroys all that nature intended. He then saw a group of human soldiers capturing, torturing, and enslaving Fallen. This disgusted Blackwood and he could no longer stand it. Blackwood waved his hand in front of him as the display disappeared in black smoke. He pressed down on the guard of his katana, Kyōka Suigetsu and revealed a door as light peered into the void. It seemed as if it were a window of sorts, opening out of nowhere. He stepped through it and found himself in the middle of a crowd in Rome, Italy.

His appearance changed. He now wears a grey suit and coat with white fur near the collar. Blackwood blinks as he looks around the city and scoffs. He fiddles with his katana as it disappears from his waist. He now stands in the middle of the large crowd. Ignoring any who pass by.

So many humans. All of them ignorant to the truth.

Blackwood a felt someone bump into him and shot his stare at a young man in his early teens. He stares at the boy as he stares back. The boy slowly backs away and disappears into the crowd. Blackwood's eyes are spirals with silver and black outlining each line. He covers his body in his coat and proceeds to walk through the crowd as his eyes return to their original color, gray.

He strokes his beard while staring at a group of young tourists. He stares at the one leading them. The one leading the group turns to his fellow tourists and laughs and he continues to walk in Blackwood's direction. As they pass, everything slowed down. The leading tourist looks at Blackwood as they pass and Blackwood does the same. Blackwood notices that the tourist continues to stare at him even after they pass one another. Time resumes its natural flow as the tourist still stares. Blackwood smiles and disappears from the crowd. The tourist gives a confused look but then looks to his friends.

I park the car on the side of the street. I leave the keys in the ignition and leave it to the crook who will steal it, and get accused of the murder of the man. I walk into the Roman Collesium. It's vast and large. The person who brought me here should arrive at any moment.

(short post ftw!)

It was getting late and the group had heard about a concert inside the Mausoleum of Augustus. They found a bus stop and jumped aboard the last bus that took them to the Mausoleum and payed $20 American to get inside. The place was packed with both tourists and locals, Scotty saw a way up to a higher level so they all climbed up and stood on a platform and watched the concert. Scotty and Siobhan took pictures of themselves with the concert below them and got a few shots of the others being idiots. The band got quiet and then they picked up the rhythm and played for hours. Scotty and Siobhan looked into each others eyes and kissed as someone let off some fireworks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The group returned to the hotel at about 2am and slept till the early afternoon. Scott was the first up as usual. He had a shower and put some clothes on, he walked over to the bed and kissed Siobhan on the forehead and left her a note on the duchess. He left the room and took the elevator down to the lobby. He was wearing a white shirt with the two top buttons undone, he had a pair of blue jeans on and some white sneakers. A man at the front desk called out to him and approached him with an envelope, he opened it and found a broken old watch.

A man left this for you last night, you and the other guests seemed tired so I thought I would give it to you next time we met. (Concierge)

Thank you.

Who the hell would leave me an old broken watch? Scotty walked out of the hotel and strolled across to the café on the other side of the street. As he was about to enter, a man called out to him. The man seemed to be Canadian but Scotty couldn't tell with all the traffic and people around them.

Do I know you?

Before the man could answer, a black van soared down the street and stopped outside the café. Two men jumped out and grabbed Scott and threw him inside the van. The Canadian man smirked and walked off into the crowd of people.

Blackwood, watches a display of the world as he notices a rift. He looks as if he is sitting in a chair but is in fact sitting on nothing. The hood covering much of his face. He waves his hand as the display shows a man being forced into a van. Blackwood knew that it was the boy that he had seen earlier. He then watched as his partner, "Havoc", disappeared in the crowd. Blackwood clasps his hands together and stares at the display while talking to someone behind him.

Progress of the South American base?

We've retrieved the boy.

Good. That completes phase one of the plan. How are the rookies? Have they been trained as requested?

The rookies are fine, they are beings trained as we speak.

Blackwood turns and stands as he faces the one in the monitor, Havoc.

I know that I had asked for their training over five hours ago. And you tell me that they are being trained now? Who is training them?

...Nathaniel.

Blackwood's eyes changed into spirals as he clicked the guard of his katana. A door opened within the void. He stood up and walked towards it and found himself in front of the Fallen trainer, Nathniel, who was surprised to see Blackwood.

Master Blackwood?...(Nathaniel)

Progress of the rookies. Speak.

Um...(Nathaniel)

Um? I asked you to speak did I not? Why are you simply standing there like a buffon and wasting my time. Now I've wasted my time speaking along with the few last words I have spoken. Now, for the last time, what is the progress of the rookies?

The progress of the rookies...is less desirable than expected. (Nathaniel)

Is it because you were wasting it on speaking to Elisa? Did I not ask for you to do my bidding?

Blackwood twitched a finger as Nathniel suddenly collapsed to the ground as if something had landed on him. He twitched two more fingers as Nathaniel tried to stand. Havoc walked besides Blackwood and stared down at Nathaniel and then Blackwood.

Do not try to stand, cipher. Your life is forfiet. As for you Havoc, take care of the training for now until I tell you otherwise.

Nathaniel began to struggle as he felt more weight on his body. His face began to turn red as he struggled. Blackwood then clentched his hand slowly.

Master Blackwood, please do not do this! (Nathaniel)

I asked you to carry out a simple request, a simple request that you yourself could not complete. You then place the blame on the very ones that you decided to train at a later time. What fool do you take me for?

I..do not think of such a thing!...(Nathaniel)

Blackwood clentched his fist completely as Nathaniel's body began be crushed by an invisible force. The Fallen showed no sign of emotion as he tortured one of his own.

Really now? Even when I am about to feed you to the void you still pledge your loyalty to me? I can tell from your tone that you are lying. No Fallen would hold good thoughts over his master if he is to be killed by him. You would be mad to think so. So which title will you die with? A liar or a cipher?

Nathaniel's lungs began to collapse. The bones from his body began to crack and rupture his organs. He began to spew blood from his mouth as he was slowly crushed. Blackwood continued to apply more and more pressure as Nathaniel was nothing but a large red mess on the ground. He flipped his hood off and looked around as he noticed his fellow Fallen stare in fear.

Do not delay your schedules. Those still in my presence will find no mercy from me.

The Fallen immediatly left and went on to their duties. Blackwood clicked the guard as another window to the void appeared and went on inside. He sat down on nothing again and was shown a display of the young man that Havoc had captured.

I run the rookies through the training as Master Blackwood ordered. Judging by their pace and quickness to take my orders, the display of power Master Blackwood showed was enough incentive to hasten their progress. It’s been two hours since I started training them and I am pleased with the progress.

Very good rookies, your all dismissed to your quarters.

Yes Sir! (All)

I watch as they leave the training room and then Master Blackwood appears behind me. I turn to greet him.

Master Blackwood, it’s a please you see you again.

Blackwood smiles at me and starts to laugh.

The rookies are gone old friend, no need to be so formal. Besides I am here to thank you for a job well done.

He hands me a katana, much like his. I am puzzled by his gesture.

Sir, I really don’t.....

Nonsense John, you have done well. Everything I asked you to do, you have done it. Actually you have succeeding in impressing me on how quick and clean you complete each mission.

Thank you sir.

Well I must be off, take some time to yourself. Soon we will take the first steps in my plan.

Blackwood leave in a blink of an eye, and I inspect the katana that he gave me. I haven’t known much kindness in my life, not until I met Master Blackwood. I then walk out of the room and head to my quarters. Tomorrow is a new day.

A young tourist floats in the air, with his body straight as if he were on a bed. Everything around him is dark and silent. A perfect place to sleep if one requires rest. A figure then took shape as a hooded figure and appeared instantly in front of the young tourist. The cloaked figure looks down at the tourist as he begins to awaken. The tourist opens his eyes quickly and lets out a cry of surprise and falls on his back. He quickly regains his balance, takes a few steps back, and lifts up his fists. The figure simply stares at the young tourist and says nothing.

Alright! What do you want?? If it's money then you're in for an ass-whoopin'!

The figure still says nothing. It removes its hood and the figure was none other than Blackwood. They were both inside of the void. Blackwood raises his hand and watches as the tourists body stiffens and is quickly drawn to him. He grabs the tourist's face. The tourist struggles but stops as Blackwood forces the knowledge he owns. The tourist's eyes begin to emit a blue hue and stands as if in a haze. Blackwood then lets go of the man and appears a few feet away from him. He begins to speak as the void gurgles his pitch and gives it a sinister tone that resembles the sound of metal grinding softly. The ends of the tourist's hair begin to stand as the voice gives him a negative vibe.

Scott Winters. The door to your destiny is opened. From now on, you are not one of them. Destiny will bind us all together, as the second coming comes. It is now your time to do what is requested.

The tourist, now identified as Scott "Scotty" Winters, stares in disbelief at Blackwood. He lunges toward Blackwood as he prepares to sock him in the gut. However, he watched as Blackwood disappeared and cut his abdomen open with a katana that appeared out of nowhere. To his horrow, he watched as his organs fell from his stomach and screamed. Then, much to his surprise, he was fine. He touched his body and felt a sickening feeling as he looked up. Blackwood was in the same position as he was before, and so was Scott.

Wha...What was that?! I saw you cut me!

Blackwood pulled a katana from his robes and revealed it to Scott. Scott looked at it and noticed its design. The hilt and sheath are red and its guard is shaped like an hour-glass. At the center of the blade lies a violet gem. It emmited a deathly glow as if it had an eye, as it followed an movement.

This is my blade. I call it Kyōka Suigetsu, its meaning is "Mirror Flower, Water Moon." Its ability is Complete Hypnosis. Any who sees its unsheathing will sucumb to its power. What you saw was an illusion created by Kyōka Suigetsu. It controls the five sense of the human and Fallen mind. I created it myself. Here, in the void. Quite a treasure, really. Imagine to my surprise when I found out that this dimension existed. Not so different from my own before it happend.

What? What are you talking about!? Why have you brought me here?? And why do I suddenly have knowledge of-

Before his answer could be found, Scott begins to grab his head as if he has a headache. The sudden source of knowledge temporarilly renders him immobolized. Blackwood opened a window in front of himself. Scott covered his eyes as the light peering from it blinded him. Blackwood then pulled Scott to himself as he entered the window. Scott looked around in confusion and noticed he was on the carpet floor of his room in the hotel.

His contact wouldn't show up. Nathan walked out of the coliseum and walked down the street to the nearest hotel. I rented a room for the night, and slept until morning. At 6 am I got up and put my clothes back on. Maybe my contact didn't know I was here yet. Maybe I should let him know. I walked up to the counter and asked how much the night would cost.

About 120 euros sir. (cashier)

I'm sorry but i don't think I'll be paying that.

My skin began to turn metallic, the girl shreiked in terror as a sharp blade plummetted through her chest. The lobby was in panic. Guns began firing at me. My skin absorbed the metal bullets as if they were fueling me. The guards were the first to die, then the men, after that the women, the only ones left were the children. So scarred by the incident that they would be driven insane. My work was done. 84 deaths. All by my hand.

Scott clutched his forehead and rubbed his face, he looked at his watch and noticed the date hadn't changed. In fact it was the same time that he had woken up earlier. After a few seconds of pondering he got off the ground and looked at Siobhan still lying in the bed. Scott walked into the bathroom and closed the door, he walked up to the mirror and took off his shirt. He checked to make sure he hadn't been cut anywhere and reached for his cellphone.

No messages. Great.

Scott put the phone down and turned on the tap, he wet his hands and then made a cup with them and splashed water on his face. A rustling came from behind him and he noticed a drawer was open so he closed it and turned around to reach for his phone. As he raised his hand the phone flew into his grasp and he looked at it in shock.

What the hell?

He left the room and stood in the elevator that took him down to the lobby, he stared at his hands the whole trip down and quickly figured out that he was telekinetic. As he walked out of the elevator he was approached by the concierge. The man gave him an envelope that contained a broken old watch. Scott had a terrified look on his face and stormed out of the hotel and onto the street. Hundreds of people walked passed him as he stood on the sidewalk simply staring at the watch. It wasn't until he saw the black van that he knew something was seriously messed up. Scott saw the van stop and then some disguised men jump out and grab a random woman standing outside the café across the street. He was about to run over there when he heard a familiar voice behind him

That probably wouldn't be one of your better decisions Scott. Those men are trained killers, and they won't hesitate to take you out if you get in their way.

Who are you?

My name is not important. That watch on the other hand, is important.

Why?

I suggest you figure that out, Scott. Try fixing it.

Scott watched as the man walked away and disappeared in the crowd of locals and tourists. The watch sat in Scott's pocket as he walked down the street and disappeared as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scott looked at the watch, he sat at a table in a very dirty looking bar. He examined the broken watch and could see why it wasn't working. The watch then suddenly started to come apart. The pieces floated in front of Scott and he concentrated on two round pieces that were bent,he watched as they were straightened and then the watch came back together. Scott looked in shock and then stared across the other side of the bar at a mirror, he stared back at himself and then looked at the watch.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A man walked down the hallway of the Hassler Roma hotel. The shadowy figure stopped outside of room 817, he knocked on the door slowly and waited for someone to open up. Daniel opened the door and saw Scott standing before him wearing a black shirt and blazer, Daniel knew something was wrong and was about to do something but Scott raised his hand and Daniel went flying back into the room. Scott walked in and the door slammed shut behind him. Ten minutes later there was a woman's scream and then flashes of blue emitted from the cracks in the door and then there was a dying groan....

Jake sat in a diner in Rome, finishing off his Farmers Omlette, and strawberry milkshake. He sat alone, at the bar seats. The television was too low, so he wasn't really paying much attention, but something caught his eye. He looked up and saw video of a metalic man.

turno che fino (Italian for "turn that up")

The waitress proceeded to do so.

Un uomo metallico, è in corso per le strade, terrorizzando la popolazione. Ha ucciso 87, e chissà quanti più si può uccidere. - news anchor

hmmm...87 killed...metallic man...

Jake rose from his seat and threw a bag of money on the counter. A police officer spotted this and told him to stop. Jake did so...The policeman then went through some warrants...and could find nothing. He then proceeded to open the money bag, finding thousands of colones. (Costa Rican money).

La cortina di fumo! (police officer)

Word had spread about him. All the way from Costa Rica. Apparently...he'd become the new Bonnie and Clyde, and it was time to escape once more. He turned to the waitress, who grabbed the moneybag up quickly. He winked at her.

Tenga il resto! - Keep the change!

He then vanished in a cloud of red smoke, to find this metallic man.

POOF!

Blackwood sits in the void as he waves his hand to see a display of the governments he has created. North Korea, a city in Vietnam, a military base in Iraq’s mountains, and, finally Brazil. With his hands clasped together and covering his mouth, he nods to himself and he reaches down his robes and clicks Kyōka Suigetsu’s sheathe. A man walked in, from his clothing, one could deduce that he is a doctor. That is exactly what he is. Blackwood does not stir in his movement as he speaks.

How are they?

They are fine, sir. (Unknown Doctor)

How long before they give them life?

Nine months, sir. (UD)

Excellent, this is grand news. Just as I had promised, you may go home to your family. Just so that I may not make any mistakes, where exactly are you from?

I am from the 5th quarter. I hope that your plan go as expected, this is truly something I wish to see in its fruition. However, my time is up. I should really be back. (UD)

Yes. It is a shame. May you have a good life in the 5th quarter.

Thank you, sir. (UD)

The doctor nods his head as he faces the opposite direction of Blackwood. Blackwood clicks Kyōka Suigetsu’s sheathe as a window opens. The doctor turns to Blackwood who still has not turned his eyes from the display.

May I ask one last question, sir? (UD)

It depends. What may the question be of?

About that sword you wield. (UD)

It is either your home or your question answered. Choose.

The man smiles as he puts a hat on his head. He turns around and walks into the window that Blackwood created. Blackwood then opens two displays from each side of the one he is currently viewing. As he looks on he watches as six women live about their lives. He looks towards the second display.

Arana. I wonder how you are doing.

Blackwood stands as he click’s Kyōka Suigetsu’s sheathe once more as a window open from under him and he finds himself sitting on the bed of Arana. She does not stir in her bed, oblivious to Blackwood’s presence. He continues to watch over her as he looks around her room. It was very small, like an apartment and was very bland. Cracks formed on the ceiling ulterior and the windows were shut with bars behind it. She was hiding from someone.

Arana slowly woke up as stares at Blackwood. She clears her eyes as she opens them once again to see if her eyesight is not doing her wrong. Blackwood is gone. She looks around in confusion, knowing that she saw something.

Outside of her apartment, Blackwood watches as Arana stands up and walks about in her apartment. He then turns as he clicks Kyōka Suigetsu’s sheathe and walks back into the void. There, he sits down and monitors Scott Winters. He then waves his hand and sees a metallic man

I believe it's time we meet again, Mr. Stryker. I will not have no more of your carnage in this city. He will either comply or face complete desolation. Besides, we have a deal to arrange.

Blackwood grips Kyōka Suigetsu's guard as he prepares to lay down the ground rules. A minute later, he appears in front of Nathan Stryker.

I walk out of the crowd and I decide to walk on the beach. As I walk on the beach I hear a voices behind me, I then notice that I am surrounded by 4 men.

Give me you wallet! (Thug1)

The other three just draw their knives and then the one that spoke does too. I smirk as I witness there weak attempts to try to scare me. I take off my coat and toss it to the ground. I then smirk at them.

If you can beat me, I will give you 10,000 euros.

I lead man grins an rushes at me, I ready myself and as he gets close to me he slashes at me, I quickly sidestep his attempt and I disarm him....as in I rip his arm clear off. The man cries out in agony and I toss the arm aside. I then round house kick him in the jaw and drive him into the cliff side of the beach. The other three try to run but one by one I dispose of them. I walk away from their lifeless corpses and pick up my jacket. I smirk as I walk off the beach.

So many foolish people in this world.

I then disappear into the city.

A man wearing a black suit stood waiting in Blackwood's private quarters, he had two other men with him. One of the men wore a black jacket and spiky hair, the other wore a black shirt and dark blue jeans. The man in the suit was in his mid twenties and had white hair with blue eyes. His eyes had seen many things in the last few years. Behind the three men a door opened and a man walked in, he stopped when he saw the group and was ready to attack when the man in the suit spoke.

Take it easy John, we're not here to hurt you. (Suit)

Who are you?

The man turned around to reveal himself.

We're the real bad guys. (Kyle McKenzie)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Open up, Polizia! (Officer)

Scott woke up beside Siobhan and the two got up and opened the door. Three officers escorted them down the hallway where they met Tim and Michael standing outside Tessa and Daniel's room. A forensic team was in the room taking pictures, Siobhan and Scott walked up to the door and saw Daniel's body on the ground and Tessa hanging off the wall with broken chair legs plunged into her shoulders and ribs. They both had the tops of their heads removed. Siobhan screamed and sunk her face into Scott's chest. Tim and Michael approached them.

They think a Fallen did this, apparently there has been an increased number of attacks in the country related to our kind. (Tim)

Don't say it so loud. (Michael)

Excuse me, I am sorry about your friends. We are going to need you to come with us to the station to answer some questions. (Officer)

Okay, just uh....just give us a minute to take this all in.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obviously Blackwood isn't here, so maybe you should leave.

He's expecting us. (Raze)

John looks at the man in the jacket and immediately knows what his ability is. Kyle chuckles when he realises what John can do.

You're an Empathic, aren't you? (Kyle)

How did you guess?

Let's just say, you and I are alike. Raze here, has a very contagious ability as you can already tell. Poison Emission. It comes in handy when things don't go my way. (Kyle)

Oh yeah? What does your other boy do?

Ethan Roberts here, is a Pyrokinetic. (Kyle)

....Ethan...?

Yes, I take it you've heard of him? The famous fire wielder! (Kyle)

I didn't catch your name.

See Ethan, I get to steal your spotlight yet again. I'm Kyle. (Kyle)

McKenzie?

Yes. Your boss and I are old friends and it seems that we need to discuss a certain problem. Where is he? (Kyle)

I don't know. We will just have to wait until he returns.

Kyle smirked and looked at his watch. His name had become well known amongst the Fallen community and also the Human military. Kyle was considered the leading figure in America for the Fallen rebellion. He and Cameron Might were leading the resistance in an epic struggle to defeat the government and claim their place in the world. Kyle had also traveled the world and brought many other clans together and aided them in their battles. The fight was now global, and they were finally winning. Unfortunately, Kyle's old friend has his own plans. "The Elders". Dying words of a former human ally to the Fallen. Kyle believes that Blackwood hasn't exactly been honest to everyone about his business.

STOP POLIZIA!!

I knew it would happen eventually. They drew their guns to fire. I concentrated my focus and their guns melted in their hands, burning them in the process. As a few more cops helped their burnt friends I continued to run. The sound of sirens came from behind me. The basterds were in a car. I started to slow down. I turned around to see 3 cop cars. Slowly I lifted my hands up. They slowed down and stopped in front of me. As they got out they held wooden baseball bats. Obviously the incident with guns had caused alternative measures. One walked over to me and began giving me my rights in the best English he could.

You have the right to remain silent....(popo)

I don't think so buddy.

I turned into my metallic form and shot two blades through the officers. The rest of the group was coming after me now. I took the dead officer in my hands and threw him at the rest. They all stumbled up to their feet only to see I was gone. And all that was left was a cloud of red smoke.

Nathan Stryker, after having finished with outrunning the law, is teleported away from the scene by an old friend of his. They were both in an alley, near an abandoned district in Rome.

Thanks for the slip. I did not think that I would find you here.

You truly doubt my skills. I can find you nearly anywhere since you make such a damn scene. When are you gonna grow up, Nathan?

Hey, what can I say, Jake? I love the attention.

Perhaps you enjoy it too much. Anyway, what did you find out?

Well-

Their conversation was cut short from the sudden appearance of Blackwood. He stood in between both Nathan and Jake, both who jumped back in surprise. Blackwood stared at the two and gave a brief smile. It then disappeared as fast as it came.

Who the hell is this??

I have no idea…

Blackwood turned his attention to Nathan. He recognized him instantly.

Nathan Stryker. We meet at last.

And you are?

The contact that you were looking for. I see that you’ve been reunited with Jake Delhome.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! How do you know who I am?!

Yeah, and why have you suddenly appeared in the middle of a meeting? How did you know where to find us? Are you a teleporter like Jake?

Not exactly. Anyway, we have much to discuss regarding your actions.

Hold up, I already went through that with him. Now, answer me! How do you know who I am?!

Not entirely, however. Still your tongue or you will find yourself absent minded.

What? Are you a Fallen like us?

From my guess, he is.

Nathan Stryker-

Just Nathan.

Do not interrupt me when I speak. Now, Nathan, we have much to discuss.

Blackwood clicked Kyōka Suigetsu’s sheathe as Jake disappeared. A moment later he appeared again but with much rage and a lot to say.

Hey! What the hell are you trying to do?! You crazy-ass mother ****! I want some goddamn answers and I want them now! Do it now or so help me God I will teleport a part of your ass to the sun!

I see that even in the void you can still escape.

Blackwood unsheathed Kyōka Suigetsu but was grabbed by Nathan. It was too late. Jake stood there as if in a haze. His eyes showed no sign of consciousness and made no movement. Blackwood lifted up his right arm as Nathan was sent back into a wall but stood up quickly. Nathan’s body turned metallic as he began to throw fists and kicks at Blackwood. The latter merely sidestepped and ducked every single blow. Nathan grew tired over the dodging and clasped both hands together as he was ready to smash them on top of Blackwood. However, before he could do so, Blackwood’s left eye glinted as he swung Kyōka Suigetsu upwards. The air grew quiet and stiff before Nathan’s arm exploded, leaving nothing but stumps. Nathan fell on the floor screaming in pain.

You! You son of a-

Nathan stopped screaming. His pain gone. He blinked a couple of times before looking at his arms. They were still intact. He looked at Blackwood who merely looked down as he eyes became spirals. He felt his throat run dry and he began to shiver.

You’ve just tasted the power of my blade. Do not take me lightly, boy.

Blackwood suddenly twitched his head. He then touched his face as a tear of blood dripped from his left eye. Nathan looked on in confusion.

You some sort of addict or something?..

Silence.

Blackwood waved his hand as a display appeared in front of him. He looked into it and found John with three other men. His eyes lit up as he noticed the one with the white hair.

You…

What? If you’re going to kill us then do it!

Silence I said!

Blackwood lost his calm. He was in a hurry and the last thing he needed was for a form of annoyance. He swiftly flicked his hand and hit Nathan with an invisible force that sent him flying into the wall again. Then, he let Jake out of his hypnosis as he opened a window and walked in. He searched the void for any abnormalities. When he found none he opened another under himself as he fell in. He fell into his private quarters where he met eye to eye with the white haired man.

We meet again, Xanatos. (Kyle McKenzie)

John, stay behind me.

And what do I owe the pleasure of your company Kyle?

You and I had an arrangement. I take care of the fighting in the U.S and turn a blind eye to whatever it is that you're doing. Up until a week ago that arrangement was fine and we had no problems. But then I catch a thief trying to make off with files on my more dangerous comrades. Fortunately we caught him just in time. My friends Alex and Tim interrogated him. Three days of pain and all we got were two words. Rome and Blackwood. Now, would you care to explain yourself? (Kyle)

I do not answer to you.

Well, that's the wrong answer. (Kyle)

John took a step forward but was thrown back against a wall by an invisible force, Raze kept his hand aimed at John and then his eyes turned black. Blackwood gasped and groaned as his eyes turned black and he fell to his knees. His katana flew into Kyle's hands as he walked towards him.

And here I thought we trusted one another. It seems I was mistaken. (Kyle)

It wasn't your first mistake though, was it Kyle? Your daughter has become a target in the war now correct? She must be ten now, am I right?

If you are trying to threaten me Xanatos, it isn't in your best interests. And neither is trying to create an army of Fallen that are trained to fight both Humans and their own kind. Especially when half of them are those who I have either saved or protected. (Kyle)

Raze's eyes returned to normal and so did Blackwood's. He took in a deep breath and got too his feet.

You really thought I didn't know? Wow, that hurts. Keep your people in check, report back to me every week and shut down whatever plans you have in motion. That includes that Intuit you found. The last thing we need is one more of them killing our own kind. (Kyle)

Kyle and Ethan walked passed Blackwood, Kyle dropped the katana and stood in front of John. Raze let him go and joined them. Kyle smirked and the three teleported back to the war.

Sir?

Find Winters, I will deal with Stryker and Jake.

I got my orders and quickly run out the door and leap to the roof top and use my speed to jump roof top to roof top. This will give me the higher ground and I see them running down the street below me.

So they are heading to the police station huh? Well I will have to rain on their parade. I stop and then my eyes turn white. I raise my hands and the clouds darken, the thunder rolls. They stop and look around then the heavens open up, the rain is heavy and they hide under the cover of the awning of a café.

Oh were did this rain come from?

No sooner than Scott said that...it stopped, and the Fog rolls in. The walk out in the open and look around....it is an eerie quiet within the town. The fog is thick, there is no wind. They walk forward cautiously and then the clock tower chimes. They jump in fright and then they see a figure loom out of the fog.

I stand 100 feet before them and I then flick my arms and the sky clears. I look up at them and I flex my arms and my jacket rips off. A parked car is in my way and I slam my fist into it and send it 50 away from us.

Mister Winters.....were do you think you and comrades are going? Not to the police I hope. No, that wouldn’t be good. Master Blackwood would be quite upset, and believe me young sir, it is in your best interest to return to him.

Like hell we will. (Tim)

He rushes at me and turns invisible but I see him running in the puddles. I dash forward and grab him by the throat then squeeze. He then becomes visible as he starts loses consciousness. I hold him just enough to keep the pressure. I then glare at them all.

Its your choice Mr. Winters. Return, he lives...no need to tell you the other option. Oh and don’t keep me waiting....I tend to misjudge my grip and strength at times. Don't even think of trying anything. Now choose!

What the hell just happened??

Oh...you're okay?

Yeah...who was that? What happened to me??

He had you in some sort of...stasis.

.......so....what'd he want from you?

not sure...he never got to it. He got...interrupted or something.

Well...I'm not gonna stick around here for him to find us again...you coming?

Yeah but...who was he? What'd he want with me? And...how'd he know my name?

....the hell cares?! As long as he can't find us again...we have nothing to worry about. And im sure...the place he left us is where he'll check first. Now come on.

Nathan grabbed hold of my arm as I teleported away. Once we came to...he stood directly in front of us...

Where exactly do you think you're headed?

Wtf!?

Nice job...

Come on!

I then teleported again, and again, and again, finding him present, everywhere I went! I was ready to give up, but I tried once more...home. This time he wasn't there.

Think we lost him?

You mean, do I think, I lost him? Yeah...I think I did.

Spoke too soon...he then landed atop me through the roof.

Silly young man...

What the hell do you want!?

Pointing his finger at Nathan he claimed...

........just you.

Scotty looked at his friend being held in by this hulking man. This is the small event that pushed Scott over the edge and unleashed the hunger.

Its your choice Mr. Winters. Return, he lives...no need to tell you the other option. Oh and don’t keep me waiting....I tend to misjudge my grip and strength at times. Don't even think of trying anything. Now choose!

The police all surrounded John and raised their weapons at him. Siobhan yelled at them and Michael tried to push them away, they were going to risk shooting Tim in order to stop the man that they thought was the murderer. Scott rolled up his sleeves as everything around him turned to chaos. John began to lose his patience and turned his gaze to Tim.

Sorry about this.

As he was about to squeeze a large blast of electricity impacted with his chest and sent him flying back into a bus, Tim hit the ground and coughed. Scott lowered his arm and turned to see Siobhan staring at him in shock. She knew what he had done, she knew what he was going to do.

Michael, get Siobhan out of here. I'll deal with our friend over there.

John walked out of the bus and smirked at Scott as he walked towards him.

That the best you can do?

I got a few more tricks up my sleeve.

John laughed and walked over to a car, he placed his hand under it and the other on top of the hood. Scott sighed as the car spun in the air and was heading right for him. He raised his hand and the car stopped in front of him. John stopped smiling and ran at Scott. The car flew up in the air and then came crashing down on John. John simply shook the car off and continued to walk toward Scott who threw dozens of blasts at him. Scott sighed when he was two metres away and held out his hand and John was stopped in his tracks.

I think I like this one the most.

I'd like to see you fight me without Telekinesis.

And I'd like to see you pay your bus fare.

Scotty flicked his hand and John went flying back through the bus and into a nearby building. He turned around and looked at Michael and Siobhan with Tim. Siobhan caught his eye and watched as he shook his head and ran off.

I walk out of the building and dust myself off. I look around for them and they have left the area.

Hmm, the master will not be pleased. Although I didn’t harm Mr. Winters, that would have been worst.

I look up towards the clock tower in the town square and I get an idea. Now I may relay on brute force a lot of time but I am rather crafty. I jump to the top of the clock tower and I spread my arms apart as my eyes turn white. The sky darken as the clouds cover the sun, and it starts to snow and the wind picks up. I look down at my work...I started a blizzard and the snow is really coming down, about 4 inches in a matter of minutes.

Well since the locals aren’t use to snow, it will make things rather difficult for Mr. Winters and company to elude us further. I just hope master will not punish me for my laps earlier.

I continue to make it snow until there is about one foot of snow on the ground, and judging by the locals reaction....it has accomplished what I hoped.

Nathan Stryker stared at Blackwood as the dark figure stretched out his hands as he was pulled to him and grasped by the neck. He felt Blackwood squeeze his neck but then began his metallic transformation. Blackwood squeezed harder as the metal crept under his hand and forced Nathan to lose conciousness. He stared down at Jake, who he had landed on top of, and smiled as he clicked Kyōka Suigetsu's sheathe and walked into a window. No longer than a few seconds passed that he came back and threw an awakened Nathan near Jake.

Jake noticed that Nathan was bruised up and had four large gashes on his torso. He had clearly been roughed up and it looked as if it had happend a few hours ago. What Jake did not understand was how did it happen in merely a few seconds. Blackwood stepped out and stared at them both.

I hope you understand now. From our conversation in the void, you'd better have. As for you...

Jake looks up with an alert look and stares at Blackwood's eyes as they begin to spiral.

As for you...

I stared into his eyes...they were truly fearsome. 'Who is this guy?' I thought to myself.

I have other plans for you...

Over my dead body!

That can be arranged...

It can...

I winked as his skin began to turn blue.... his eyes, now focused were looking about in confusion. He was getting colder and colder...almost freezing. I grabbed hold of Nathan and we quickly teleported away, leaving my thermokenesis to take effect...however it would effect such a monster.

That should slow him down. Are you alright? What the hell happened?

I...I'm not sure. He took me to some odd place...

The void.

You know of it?

That's where he placed me, when he tried to get rid of me before. What'd he say?

That...I had to meet with someone called "Havoc".

I looked on in shock....Havoc....my brother-in-law...and the reason my sister was no longer alive...I suddenly had a newfound confidence. I clenched my fist....

Then we should meet with him.